Bic lowers full-year growth forecast

French company Bic, known for its disposable lighters, ball-point pens and razor blades, has seen its sales stagnate over the past six months. The board has immediately lowered its full-year growth forecast.

1.063 billion euro turnover
Bic achieved a 1.063 billion euro six-month turnover (+ 0.3 % compared last year’s first semester), thanks to the Stationary division that grew 3.3 % and is the company’s largest division with a 428-million euro turnover. Distributors responded well to Bic’s novelties for the upcoming schoolyear, the Clichy-based company said.

Bic’s disposable lighters also continue to sell well and contribute 356.9 million euro, up 0.8 %. Its razor blade division did not do as well, as its turnover slumped 4.3 % to 236.4 million euro, mainly because of weaker sales in the United States. By comparison, Europe and the growth markets did display growth for the razor blade division.

Even though its second quarter turnover outperformed the first quarter, the board still dialed back its full-year growth forecast. “As markets remain volatile for the balance of the year, coupled with recent signs of lower consumption in Brazil, we now expect to trend between 3% to 4% Full Year Organic Net Sales growth”, Bic said. Only three months ago, it targeted a 5 % increase, but analysts had already stated that number was far too optimistic. The French group published a 2.026 billion euro turnover and a 249.7 million euro net profit.